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Summary

Go behind the scenes and experience the inner workings of the White House in this innovative drama series from Emmy Award winner John Wells. For nearly eight years, President Josiah Bartlet has led the most powerful nation on earth.

Now, as Bartlet's time in the White House comes to an end, two formidable men vie for the Presidency: Arnold Vinick, a Republican senator from California, and three-term Houston Democratic Congressman Matthew Santos. Winner of two Emmy Awards: Outstanding Supporting Actor in a Drama Series (Alan Alda) Outstanding Multi-camera Sound Mixing for a Series or Special.

Episode guide

01 - The Ticket

For the past eight years, President Josiah Bartlet (series star MARTIN SHEEN) has led the most powerful nation on earth. Directly descended from one of the signers of the Declaration of Independence, New Hampshire Democrat Bartlet exudes a country-lawyer charisma that complements his brilliance, his deep conviction and his devotion to what he believes is right for the country...despite what the special interest groups demand. A brilliant academician in her own right, first lady Dr. Abigail ""Abbey"" Bartlet (series star STOCKARD CHANNING) staunchly supports her husband but does not hesitate to keep him in line when necessary.

Now, as Bartlet's time in the White House comes to an end, two formidable men vie for the Presidency: Arnold Vinick (series star ALAN ALDA), a Republican senator from California, and three-term Houston Democratic Congressman Matthew Santos (series star JIMMY SMITS).

After suffering a heart attack and stepping down from his previous position, professorial Advisor to the President Leo McGarry (series star JOHN SPENCER) resolutely serves as Bartlet's political and emotional right hand--as well as Santos' vice presidential running mate, assisted by Annabeth Schott (series star KRISTIN CHENOWETH)--while former Deputy Chief of Staff Josh Lyman (series star BRADLEY WHITFORD) keeps his highly regarded political mind in overdrive in his new position working for Santos.

Chief Strategist and Senior Counselor to the Vice President Will Bailey (series star JOSHUA MALINA) worked on his boss' failed Presidential campaign, aided by Josh's former assistant, Donna Moss (series star JANEL MOLONEY).

Josh is caught off guard when political commentators are critical of Leo as a running mate for Santos. White House Counsel Oliver Babish (recurring guest star OLIVER PLATT - "A Time to Kill") discusses a leak investigation with C.J. And Donna approaches Josh for a job.

02 - The Mommy Problem

As a grand jury convenes to investigate the White House military shuttle leak, the campaign's focus changes to national security. Vinick deftly handles the issue while Santos is bound by his party loyalty to align himself with the Bartlet administration.

04 - Mr. Frost

Since several members of the staff have been subpoenaed to testify in the military shuttle leak investigation, C.J. is left to run the office practically by herself. Major trouble breaks out in the Middle East jeopardizing Bartlet's peace plan.

05 - Here Today

After answering questions from White House Counsel Oliver Babish (recurring guest star OLIVER PLATT), Toby concludes that he needs to retain counsel. Meanwhile, Josh realizes that everyone involved in the Santos campaign is young and inexperienced, forcing him to make some tough decisions.

06 - The Al Smith Dinner

A third-party attack on Santos brings unwanted attention to both his and Vinick's stance on abortion. Meanwhile, Will gets a promotion.

07 - The Debate

In a first for "The West Wing," the Emmy Award-winning series broadcasts a live episode featuring a tension-packed debate between the two Presidential candidates, Congressman Matt Santos and Senator Arnold Vinick. In the U.S., the episode will be performed and broadcast live twice, once for the East Coast and again for the West Coast.

08 - Undecideds

Santos visits a Los Angeles African-American family whose child was shot by a Latino police officer. C.J. manages a crisis between China and Kazakhstan.

09 - The Wedding

On the eve of Ellie's (recurring guest star NINA SIEMASZKO) White House wedding, a military situation in Central Asia takes Bartlet away from the rehearsal festivities. Meanwhile, the election is 6 weeks away, and Santos is trailing by 7 points. Josh, Leo and Santos strategize over where to spend their rapidly dwindling monetary resources. Some Democratic Party loyalists want Santos to replace Josh, but Leo advises against it. And Bartlet takes a break from being President to walk his daughter down the aisle.

11 - Internal Displacement

C.J. is in the process of negotiating a deal so Russia and China don't go to war over Kazakstan when some potentially embarrassing information about Bartlet surfaces. Meanwhile, Josh pressures the White House to let Santos announce a scientific research lab in Texas, much to the administration's chagrin.

12 - Duck and Cover

Bartlet must face the possibility of a nuclear reactor meltdown in California. In the midst of this emergency, the presidential campaign goes on, and the candidates find themselves struggling to find a good strategy to deal with the situation. Meanwhile, Kate keeps an eye on the impending battle between Russia and China over Kazakstan.

13 - The Cold

The effects of a nuclear scare in California continue to shake things up on both sides of the campaign trail. While the Vinick camp falters over its pro-nuclear position, the Santos team is gaining momentum, and overnight, it has become a neck-and-neck race. Caught up in the excitement of it all, Josh and Donna share a moment that has been a long time coming. Meanwhile, the White House is involved in its own drama, as military forces from China and Russia face off over an increasingly tense situation in Kazakhstan.

14 - Two Weeks Out

As the end of the campaign trail nears, the candidates feel the burden more than ever. Meanwhile, an interesting and unexpected twist gives Vinick an opportunity to damage the Santos campaign.

15 - Welcome to Wherever You Are

The Attorney General pressures Toby to reveal his source on the shuttle leak. Meanwhile, Santos continues his dizzying tour of the country. Santos' campaign bus is abuzz when rock star JON BON JOVI (himself) comes aboard to lend his support and perform part of his song "Welcome to Wherever You Are."

16 - Election Day

In the series' 150th episode, the night before Election Day becomes even more meaningful for two staffers. Josh stresses over returns, while C.J. is faced with future job offers. And Annabeth makes a startling discovery.

17 - Election Day, Part II

As the polls close, and results are tallied, emotions run high. Santos and Josh face the loss of their Vice Presidential candidate. Meanwhile, Vinick disagrees with his campaign team.

18 - Requiem

Bartlet and his current staff-as well as some friends from the past-come together for Leo's funeral. Meanwhile, Santos must choose a new Vice President. Recurring guest stars include LILY TOMLIN as Deborah Fiderer, TERI POLO as Helen Santos, MARLEE MATLIN as Joey Lucas, MARY-LOUISE PARKER as Amy Gardner, GARY COLE as Vice President Robert Russell, TIM MATHESON as John Hoynes, TIMOTHY BUSFIELD as Danny Concanon, EMILY PROCTOR as Ainsley Hayes, ELISABETH MOSS as Zoey Bartlet, NINA SIEMASZKO as Ellie Bartlet Faison, ANNABETH GISH as Elizabeth Bartlet Westin, KATHLEEN YORK as Andrea Wyatt and ANNA DEAVERE SMITH as Nancy McNally.

19 - Transition

A controversy occurs when the President-Elect places a telephone call to the president of China and espouses a different viewpoint from that of Bartlet. Meanwhile, Josh chooses his deputy chief of staff. Recurring guest stars include ROB LOWE as Sam Seaborn, LILY TOMLIN as Deborah Fiderer, TERI POLO as Helen Santos, JANEANE GAROFALO as Louise Thornton and ANNA DEAVERE SMITH as Nancy McNally.

20 - The Last Hurrah

While Santos is wrapped up in choosing his new Vice President, Helen (recurring guest star TERI POLO) is overwhelmed by the issues facing the new First Family. Meanwhile, Vinick also deals with a new life now that the election is over.

21 - Institutional Memory

As the Bartlet administration prepares to transition into the Santos administration, C.J. must confront the choices affecting her future. Meanwhile, Will also finds himself in a position of uncertainty about what is to come.

22 - Tomorrow

In the series finale, the Bartlet administration prepares to leave the West Wing. While Santos and his winning camp nervously gear up for the inauguration, outgoing President Bartlet, C.J. and the others fondly look back on their time in the White House. Former series star ROB LOWE guest stars as Sam Seaborn.

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